Russia, EU Can Resolve All Existing Problems - Putin

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Last week, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said in an interview with German newspaper Die Welt that she expected that European sanctions against Russia would be extended after July.

"We believe that our relations with the EU do not face any problems that we cannot solve," Putin said in an article published in Greek newspaper Kathimerini ahead of his visit to Greece on May 27-28.

"To get back to a multifaceted partnership, the deficient approach of one-sided relationships should be abandoned. There should be true respect for each other’s opinions and interests," Putin stressed.

The United States, the EU and some of their allies have imposed several rounds of sanctions targeting key sectors of the Russian economy, as well as a number of individuals and entities, over Crimea's reunification with Russia and Moscow's alleged interference in the conflict between Kiev and independence militia in eastern Ukraine.

Russia has repeatedly refuted the allegations, warning that the Western sanctions are counterproductive. In response to the restrictive measures, Russia has imposed a food embargo on some products originating in countries that have targeted it with sanctions.

The latest round of Western punitive measures against Russia is up for extension among EU members before the July 31 expiration deadline.